Edward Pope, the man behind the project, believes that once completed, Watlington Safari Park would bring £3.75M a year to the local economy as well as create hundreds of jobs.

“For several years I have been provided a refuge and breeding programme for deer and antelope at my home in Norfolk,” said Pope.

“Now I want to build on that work by expanding this refuge to create an inspirational centre for education, a visitor experience that people can enjoy and a site for extraordinary wildlife encounters.”

The location already boasts extensive grasslands and bushes as well as a central lake and a large woodland, making it a diverse environment for the wild animals that could potentially be introduced.

“It thus offers the chance to create the ideal conditions for animal and bird conservation and is large enough to comfortably support a visitor centre and viewing areas,” state rural experts Rural Solutions.

“We want to create an exceptional wildlife experience, with birds and animals behaving naturally despite being some thousands from their native lands.”

“Watlington Safari Park will be a place to relax, a place to learn and a place to explore.”